JP2003519370A - Method and system for optical distance and angle measurement - Google Patents

Abstract

A contactless precision, optical distance and angle measurement method and system optically measuring the position of a moveable object, the bending of the object, the torque applied to the object and the object's rotational velocity. The present invention includes a plurality of optical sensors placed around and adjacent to the moveable object which transmit optical signals to a surface of the object and receives the optic signals when predefined marker means are sensed. The received optic signals are then processed by non-linear estimation techniques known to those of skill in the art to obtain the desired information.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field of sensors, and more particularly to fiber optic sensors (fib) for determining spatial distance, velocity and relative angular displacement of a movable object.
er optic sensor) usage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the commerce and defense industry, users demand technology integration that provides integration such as increased product life, simplified operation and maintenance, and improved safety and reliability. There is. However, the technology provided must also satisfy a reliable and quantitative cost / benefit analysis.

Although fiber optic sensors have been used for decades for relative position measurements, their utility has not been extended to self-calibrating precision absolute position measurement systems until the advent of the present invention. While conventional systems that use fiber optic sensors provide only relative measurement capability, they are typically sensitive to the angle of the surface being measured and therefore require repeated calibration with each use. In fact, some skilled in the art believe that precision absolute position measurement systems may not be achievable with fiber optic sensors.

Most sensor prediction systems require either an exorbitant amount of processing power to determine statistical probabilities, or require precise measurements of physical properties for which current sensor technology does not exist. For example, predictive measurements of movable shafts (as found in aircraft engines and similar vehicle engines) must know the operating characteristics of the shaft for safe aircraft operation. Some of the required operating characteristics are:
Shaft lateral displacement, shaft misalignment, shaft speed and torque monitoring, and all other characteristics that are difficult or impossible to capture with current non-contact sensor technology. These properties may need to be measured in applications such as turbine generators, power plants, ships, submarines and earthmoving machinery.

The need to measure drive shaft alignment has existed for some time. Flexible or fairly stiff structures allow movable shafts (eg, rotating ones) to move out of alignment, bend beyond their specific stress points, or off set axes. Move, and consequently the structure,
The engine or system may be damaged. For example, aircraft safety depends in part on determining the operating characteristics of the drive as torque is transmitted to some engine components. Furthermore, not only the rotational speed and torque of the shaft, but also the posture and bending characteristics of the shaft need to be measured non-invasively. Movement from shaft attitude or bend must be measured to less than 0.01 inch (ie 10 mils) and RPM and torque must be monitored.

Two known prior art techniques for measuring and monitoring shafts have been unsuccessful. For example, Lucent Technologies has attempted to use an eddy current sensor, but measurements based on eddy current sensing require the accuracy, environmental tolerances, or robustness required for this or similar application.
tness) cannot be obtained. Other companies have magnetic slugs embedded in torque couplers (
We are trying a design concept that requires slug). However, this method was equally unsuccessful.

Therefore, there is a need for a non-invasive system that optically measures the displacement of large drive shafts or torque couplers within the limited space of engines such as aircraft. The sensor system must not block the airflow into the engine,
It must adapt to various environmental conditions such as high vibration, shock and high temperature conditions. Preferably, the sensor should also be located between 150 and 500 mils from the surface of the face of the drive shaft or coupler assembly due to space constraints. The sensor system must also be able to capture absolute measurements of shaft movement without calibration. Moreover, the measurement data obtained by the sensor system must be able to determine movements of 10 mils or less in applications where the shaft rotates up to 9000 revolutions per minute (RPM). The system must also measure the rotation of the shaft, preferably above 9000 RPM, as well as the twist of the movable shaft to capture the torque. The system should also be able to measure the absolute distance from each sensor to the surface on the torque coupler, which must know that the complex angle to the sensor may change, as well as the axial distance from the sensor. I have to. The ability to non-invasively measure absolute movement versus relative movement, high resolution shaft displacement, and twist of a moving shaft has not been achieved prior to the present invention.

Self-calibrating precision absolute position measurement systems as disclosed in the present invention are also supported by defense groups. The US Army, Navy and Air Force Secretaries all dictate by policy that new procurement diagnostic and predictive system health care must be incorporated prior to approval of funding. This is the Crusader of the Army, the Amphibious Attack Vehic of the Navy.
le and the Joint Strike Fighter for collaborative services
It is highlighted in new development programs, including (JSF). However, until the present disclosure, there was a gap between that need and the techniques available to satisfy that need.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The following summary of the invention is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the present invention and provides a thorough, complete description. is not. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the invention can be gained only by considering the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

The present invention provides a non-invasive precision optical distance that optically measures the position of a movable object (such as the shaft of an engine), the bending of the movable object, the torque applied to the object, and the rotational speed of the object. And angle measurement system. The present invention is an optical fiber
A plurality of lights disposed around the object and adjacent thereto that transmit an optical signal through the bundle to the target marker means on the surface of the object and receive the optical signal when the target marker means is sensed. Includes sensors. The received optical signal is then processed by nonlinear estimation techniques known to those skilled in the art to obtain the desired information. The present invention is for vehicular engines (such as commercial or military aircraft), but in other applications such as tanks, power plants, ship-based power plants, and other applications requiring mobile machinery. It can also be applied to applications.

The novel features of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the following detailed description of the invention, or can be learned by practice of the invention. However, various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the invention and the appended claims, and therefore present some embodiments of the invention. The detailed description of the invention and the specific examples presented are provided for illustrative purposes.

The accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate similar or functionally similar elements throughout the different figures, and which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, together with a detailed description of the invention,
It serves to explain the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention transmits optical signals to a predefined surface area of a movable torque coupler or similar structure by means of a plurality of sensor assembly means, Is a precision non-invasive optical distance and angle measurement system that measures the reflectivity of the and process desired information about the operating characteristics of the shaft by signal processing software means associated with the sensor and target model.

Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention provides a plurality of optical sensor assemblies disposed on at least one mounting structure 21 adjacent a torque coupler 31 that engages and surrounds a movable shaft S. means 11 ₁ to 11 _n, preferably the torque coupler 31
Control electronics for communicating with each photosensor assembly means 11 _n via a communication bus 43 and at least one stepped target marker means 33 _n mounted on the surface 35 of the shaft or directly on the surface of the shaft S. 41 and signal processing software means 51 loaded and stored in the control electronics 41.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, each sensor assembly means 11 _n is mounted on a mounting structure 21 of conventional design, approximately adjacent to a torque coupler 31 mounted on the movable shaft S. Each sensor assembly means 11 _n is preferably arranged equidistantly on the mounting structure 21 and thus circumferentially around the movable shaft S. In the preferred embodiment, three sensor assembly means 11 ₁ , 1
1 ₂ , 11 _n are evenly arranged around the shaft S as seen in FIG.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the results shown by the present invention can be achieved using only one sensor assembly means. Each sensor assembly means 11 ₁ to 11 _n is preferably disposed between the surface 35 of the surface of the moveable torque coupler 31 0.15 inches and 0.4 inches. Each sensor assembly means 11 ₁ to 11 _n is also preferably a conventional fiber optic concentric ring-type sensor having a plurality of optical fiber bundles per sensor, torque is more
The torque coupler 31 transmits an optical signal to the surface 35 of the coupler 31 so that the optical fiber 3
Target marker means 3 formed on or attached to
A fiber optic sensor that receives the optical signal from 3 _n and sends the voltage corresponding to the shaft information to the control electronics 41 for processing by the signal processing software means 51. However, other sensors (eg, without limitation, other coherent optical sensors, non-coherent optical sensors, incandescent sensors, broadband sensors, multi-wavelength sensors or other fiber optic sensors) can also be used, and Those skilled in the art will understand that they come within the spirit of the invention. As each target marker means 33 _n passes each sensor assembly means 11 ₁ to 11 _n to a rotary, each sensor assembly means 11 ₁ to 11 _n are continuously and thus in real time, the transmission signal is the target Measuring the light reflected from the movable surface 35 based on the intensity of the transmitted light signal reflected when reflected from any of the marker means 33 _n . Therefore, in the preferred embodiment, three precise distances to the measured surface 35 can be obtained, thus estimating the pose of the surface 35 (and hence the coupler's coordinate plane) relative to a fixed reference coordinate system, As a result, the coordinate angular displacement of the shaft S and each sensor
A direct measurement of the distance from each sensor assembly means 11 ₁ to the assembly means 11 _n can be made.

A typical concentric ring fiber optic sensor (such as the preferred type in the present invention) is a central bundle of illuminator transmission fibers covered by a concentric ring of sense fibers coupled to a photodetector. To use. Non-invasively moving the concentric ring sensor with respect to the reflective surface a distance results in a detected response curve characteristic similar to that shown in FIG. Applications using commercial sensors that exhibit this type of response curve utilize only the linear portion near either side of the peak of this response curve shown in Figure 2, and the linearity of a typical commercial fiber optic sensor. The range is about 100 mils. However, using the operating characteristics of the linear portion of this curve severely limits the operating range of the sensor assembly means, and further provides no means for absolute calibration of the sensor. The present invention, on the contrary, uses the non-linear behavior of this curve for data processing by the signal processing software means 51.

Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 shows a three-dimensional plot of the response of the preferred type of concentric ring fiber optic sensor in the present invention. As shown, this type of sensor is quite sensitive to angular variations, so the effect of small angular changes on the characteristic response of such sensors must be modeled in order to achieve the desired level of accuracy. The characteristic response also depends on the reflective surface material. Therefore, when using these types of sensors, it is preferable to first capture and model the three-dimensional response (or map) of each sensor. This is done, for example, by placing each sensor in an automatic precision fixture, and the known target material when the automatic characterization system changes the distance and the two orthogonal angles of the sensor to the characterization target facet. Can be achieved by capturing the response of each sensor from The resulting mapped information can then be stored in the signal processing software means 51 for later calculation.

At least one multifaceted target marker means 33 _n is attached to the measured surface 35 of the coupler 31 by conventional methods and is spatially well distributed on the surface 35 and the plane of the surface 35. Can be determined, and thus the geometrical determination of the angle of the shaft S. Preferably, each target marker means 33 _n is spaced 120 degrees from each other on surface 35.
Each target marker means 33 _n is optically reflective and capable of reflecting the optical signal transmitted by each sensor 11 _n . In a preferred embodiment, each target marker means 33 _n is at a predetermined height with respect to any center point C and is made of a highly reflective conforming material (eg nickel plated aluminum), It comprises five facets 37 ₁ to 37 _n shown in Figure 4a. Using simulations that model the performance of the sensor assembly means 11 _n , five facets optimally enable the recursive sensor estimator (shown in FIG. 6) to quickly converge to the solution. Were determined. The first three facets 37 _{1-37 3} results in precise displacement change fixed. The fourth facet 37 ₄ produces a fixed and precise angular change of the rotational axis of the coupler 31. The fifth facet 37 ₅ produces a fixed fine angular change of the axis perpendicular to the rotation of the coupler 31. A number of reflective materials (eg, nickel, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium and first surface glass mirrors or second surface glass mirrors) are used for the preferred embodiment of the target marker means of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that substitutions are possible and still fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. By tracking the position of each facet 37 _n on the surface 35 in space and time, the measured voltage (proportional to the distance to the surface and the angle of the surface) and (stored in the control electronics 41). performing a comparison between the model of the sensor response to distance and angle is estimated, the estimated absolute distance and angle of each target marker means 33 _n for each sensor 11 _n coupler 31 from the sensors 11 _n Can be calculated.

Information corresponding to the captured signal reflectance from each sensor assembly means 11 _n is then signaled by the control electronics 41 via a communication bus 43 (eg, a fiber optic data bus or bundle). Communicate to the processing software means 51.
Signal processing software means 51 conventional means for determining whether movable shaft S is moving within 450 mils within 10 mils and 2.5 degrees within 0.1 degrees in either plane. Programmed by
Similarly, the signal processing software means 51 monitors the rotational speed of the shaft S at up to 9000 RPM.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5, the signal processing software means 5
1 includes a target identification and RPM estimator 61, a plurality of sensor estimators 63 _n corresponding to each sensor assembly means 11 _n used, and a torsion coupler plane estimator 65.

[0021]   In operation, each sensor assembly means 11_nWhen the coupler 31 rotates
To generate a continuous signal resulting from the reflection from the rim of the coupler 31. Preferred of the present invention
In a preferred embodiment, each target marker means 33 on the rim of the coupler 31 is_nAmong
The space (or region) is typically dimmed with a non-reflective material. Therefore, each
Target marker means 33_nIs much larger as it passes rotationally through each sensor.
It has a return (or reflected) signal. Small strike of reflective material (not shown)
Option is a fiducial mark on the rim of the coupler.
It is placed in position on the rim of the coupler to give rk). Stripes
It provides a reference point for determining the rotation angle of the coupler. The stripe is for each sensor
Assembly means 11_nWhen sensed by the sensor assembly means 11_n Next target marker means 33 sensed by_nIs the target marker hand
Step 33₁It is an instruction to become. After this, the target marker means 33₂, 33₃
From 33_nContinues. The target identification and RPM estimator 61 uses fiducial markers
Locating each target marker means computationally
Each facet of each of the marker means is located and each target marker means 33 is located. _n Each facet 37_nSensor response of the sensor estimator 63_nTo
Each sensor assembly means 11 for transmitting_nUsing a sampling rate of
The rotation speed of the shaft is determined by the information corresponding to the passage of the reference marker for each rotation.
To do.

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 6, each sensor estimator 63 _n correlates to each sensor assembly means 11 _n used, the target marker means 33 _n each of the five facets 37 _{1-37 5} Computationally generate a distance and two orthogonal angle estimates based on the voltage from In addition, the attenuation parameter is also utilized in each sensor estimator 63 _n to accommodate variations in the overall gain of the optics and electronics used in the present invention. A model of the characteristic response of each sensor used (eg how they respond to the pre-defined target marker means 33 _n ) is needed to recursively estimate these parameters. , Stored in the signal processing software means 51. Such a model is derived by the known method of off-line characterization of each sensor assembly means 11 _n used.

As shown in FIG. 6, each sensor estimator 63 _n represents the voltage response from each sensor assembly means 11 _n (sensor and sensor) obtained in response to light reflected from each facet 37 _n. Compare with estimated voltage measurements (previously derived from the target model). The gain matrix (previously derived) must assume the noise, target and sensor characteristics to a minimum. The result is applied to the previous estimate of the state, resulting in a new estimate. This new estimate of distance, angle and damping is applied to the non-linear sensor model and then to the target model,
The following measurement estimates occur.

The torsion coupler plane estimator 65 takes three precise distances from the sensor estimator 63n and uses these distances to make a recursive Kaman estimate similar in shape to that of the sensor estimator. The orientation of the plane of the coupler 31 is determined through the instrument.
One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are several ways to do this, but the recursive Kaman estimator is preferred because it can continuously generate coupler plane readings. In a preferred embodiment, the signal processing software means are programmed to obtain the desired information in MatLab and Mathmatica by methods known to those skilled in the art. Although these software programming languages have been used for prototype convenience, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other methods (eg, hardware means such as pre-programmed ASICS or embedding software in a microcontroller) can be used. You will understand. Since each target marker means 33n is coupled to a moveable coupler, the non-invasive optical distance and angle measuring system of the present invention measures to measure the precise attitude, velocity and torque of the moveable shaft S. The values can be collected multiple times per revolution. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, it is especially useful to have multiple measurements in applications where the measured surface or plane is not truly flat, and multiple measurements are idealized for non-uniform surfaces. May help to map the coupler surface.

Further, the signal processing software means 51 uses information from the reflected optical signal to non-linearly estimate the absolute displacement of the shaft S and the angular displacement of the shaft S by the light returned from the target marker means 33n. , Is programmed to automatically determine shaft characteristics regardless of the conditions of the surrounding environment. For example,
The gradient of the reflected light intensity can be many, such as air quality, humidity temperature, unexpected obstacles (including dust particles), target surface reflection quality, light source intensity and operating characteristics, and angle of incidence on the target. Influenced by the factor of. Therefore, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the signal processing software means 51 further comprises signal processing means for providing adaptive gain to accommodate variations in the optical path, variations in the sensing electronics or fiber bundle.

Other variations and modifications of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the intent of the appended claims is to cover such variations and modifications. The particular values and configurations discussed above can be varied and are included to describe the particular embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It is contemplated that the use of the present invention may include components having different properties, so long as the principles of the non-invasive precision optical distance and angle measurement system, the presentation, are followed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention mounted in a mounting structure that partially encloses a moveable shaft mounted in a torque coupler.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a response curve from a commercially available fiber optic concentric ring type sensor.

FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional plot of the response of a concentric ring fiber optic sensor. It shows the sensitivity of the sensor to variations in distance and angle and shows the non-linear characteristics of the sensor to these variations.

FIG. 4a is an end of a torque coupler fitted with a multi-faceted target marker that passes in front of the sensor assembly means to provide a signal for processing when the torque coupler moves. It is a figure. FIG. 4b is a diagram showing the multi-facet target marker shown in FIG. 4a.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the signal processing functions required to derive coupler attitude information from the voltage sensed by the sensor assembly means as each target marker passes through each sensor assembly means. .

[Figure 6]   FIG. 6 is a system diagram showing the preferred sensor estimator shown in FIG. 5.

[Figure 7]   FIG. 6 is a system diagram showing the preferred torsion coupler plane estimator shown in FIG. 5.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, I T, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE, TR), OA (BF , BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, G M, KE, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ , UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, B Z, CA, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK , DM, DZ, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, J P, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR , LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MZ, NO, NZ, PL, PT, R O, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ , TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW (72) Inventor Brevins, William Mark             New Mexico State 87110,             Albuquerque, Mountain Road No             Seast 5312 (72) Inventor Cobbler, John Russell             New Mexico 87109,             Albuquerque, Frida Street No             Seast 7405 (72) Inventor Lakes, Ronnie Wayne             New Mexico State 87124,             Rio Rancho, West Island             Loop 2872 (72) Inventor Shess, Jeffrey Norman             Buff, Minnesota 55313, United States             Arrow, Fifties Street No             Seast 3421 F term (reference) 2F065 AA01 AA06 AA09 AA14 AA20                       AA35 AA39 BB03 BB06 BB16                       BB18 BB25 BB27 CC11 DD03                       DD11 DD16 FF23 FF41 FF61                       FF65 HH13 JJ01 JJ05 JJ09                       JJ15 LL02 LL12 PP13 QQ03                       QQ25

Claims (29)

[Claims] 1. An optical distance and angle measurement system for a shaft assembly in an engine, the shaft assembly including a moveable shaft coupled to a rotatable torque coupler, the system comprising: A mounting structure secured to a portion of the engine, surrounding a moveable shaft, adjacent to the torque coupler, and a plurality of optical sensor assembly means disposed on the mounting structure and proximate a surface portion of the torque coupler. At least one target marker means coupled to the surface portion, control electronics in communication with each photosensor assembly means by a communication bus, and signal processing software means loaded and stored in the control electronics. And each optical sensor assembly means transmits an optical signal to the surface portion and
The optical signal reflected from each target marker means as the marker means passes through each photosensor assembly is received and information corresponding to shaft characteristics is sent to the control electronics for processing by the signal processing software means. Is done,
Optical distance and angle measurement system. 2. The optical distance and angle measurement system of claim 1, wherein each sensor assembly means is located generally between 0.15 and 0.4 inches from the surface portion. 3. The optical distance and angle measurement system of claim 2, wherein each sensor assembly means is structurally disposed equidistant from an adjacent sensor assembly means. 4. The sensor assembly means according to claim 3, wherein each sensor assembly means is a sensor selected from the group consisting of a fiber optic concentric ring type sensor, an incandescent sensor, a coherent light sensor, a non-coherent light sensor or a multi-wavelength sensor. The described optical distance and angle measuring system. 5. Three sensor assembly means are disposed on the mounting structure.
An optical distance and angle measurement system according to claim 4. 6. The optical distance and angle measurement system of claim 5, wherein each target marker means is spatially well distributed over the surface portion. 7. The optical distance and angle measurement system of claim 6, wherein each target marker means further comprises a plurality of facet surfaces. 8. The signal processing software means further comprises a target identification and RPM estimator, a plurality of sensor estimators corresponding to each sensor assembly means, and a torsion coupler plane estimator, the target identification and RPM estimator being , Each target marker means is computationally located, each facet of each target marker means is computationally located to obtain a reflected response, the rotational speed of the coupler is determined, and each sensor estimator determines each Computationally generates a distance from the voltage response of the optical sensor assembly to the coupler and at least two orthogonal angle estimates,
An optical distance and angle measurement system according to claim 7, wherein the coupler plane estimator is adapted to obtain the distance computationally to determine the pose of the coupler. 9. Each target marker means further comprises a first facet, a second facet, a third facet, a fourth facet and a fifth facet, the first facet, the second facet and The optical signal reflected from the third facet corresponds to the angular displacement of the shaft and the optical signal reflected from the fourth facet corresponds to the angular change of the axis of movement of the coupler and reflected from the fifth facet. 9. The optical distance and angle measurement system of claim 8, wherein the optical signal corresponds to an angular change of the coupler axis perpendicular to the movement of the coupler. 10. The optical distance and angle measurement of claim 9 wherein each target marker means is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of nickel plated aluminum, nickel, aluminum, stainless steel or titanium. system. 11. The optical distance and angle of claim 10, wherein each target marker means is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of a first surface glass mirror or a second surface glass mirror. Measuring system. 12. A non-contact distance and angle measuring means for a moveable shaft assembly, the shaft assembly including a torque coupler, the system enclosing the torque coupler and adjoining the torque coupler. Structure, at least two sensing optical fiber means disposed on the structure and proximate to the torque coupler, at least one marking means coupled to the surface of the torque coupler, and each light for sensing by the bus. An electronic control means in communication with the fiber means and a software signal processing means loaded and stored in the electronic control means are provided, each optical sensor assembly means transmitting an optical signal to the surface portion. , Each marking means sends an optical signal to the surface portion and each marking means as each marking means passes through each optical sensor assembly. Receiving optical signals reflected from the stage, is adapted to transmit the data to be correlated to the characteristics of the shaft to the electronic control unit to process by software signal processing means, a non-contact distance and angle measuring means. 13. The optical distance and angle measuring system of claim 12, wherein each sensing means is structurally disposed equidistant from an adjacent sensor assembly means. 14. The optical distance and angle measurement system of claim 13, wherein each sensing means is located between approximately 0.15 and 0.4 inches from the surface portion. 15. The sensor according to claim 14, wherein each sensing means is a sensor selected from the group consisting of a fiber optic concentric ring type sensor, an incandescent sensor, a coherent light sensor, a non-coherent light sensor or a multi-wavelength sensor. Optical distance and angle measurement system. 16. The optical distance and angle measurement system of claim 15, wherein each sensing means is equidistantly disposed on the mounting structure. 17. Each marking means is equidistantly distributed on the surface portion,
An optical distance and angle measurement system according to claim 16. 18. The optical distance and angle measurement system according to claim 17, wherein each marking means further comprises a plurality of facet surfaces. 19. The software signal processing means further includes a target identification and RPM estimator, a plurality of sensor estimators corresponding to each sensing means, and a torsion coupler plane estimator, wherein the target identification and RPM estimator each mark. Computationally locating the means and computationally locating each facet of each marking means to obtain a response, determining the rotational speed of the torque coupler, each sensor estimator from the voltage response of each sensing means 20. The optical distance and angle of claim 18, wherein the distance to the torque coupler and at least two orthogonal angle estimates are computationally generated such that the torsion coupler plane estimator determines the coupler attitude. Measuring system. 20. Each marking means further comprises a first facet, a second facet, a third facet, a fourth facet and a fifth facet, the first facet, the second facet and the third facet. The optical signal reflected from the facet of the shaft corresponds to the angular displacement of the shaft, the optical signal reflected from the fourth facet corresponds to the angular change of the axis of rotation of the coupler, and the optical signal reflected from the fifth facet. Corresponds to the angular change of the axis of the coupler perpendicular to the movement of the coupler, the angular displacement of the shaft, the angular change of the axis of movement of the coupler, and the angular change of the axis of the coupler perpendicular to the movement of the coupler 20. The optical distance and angle measurement system of claim 19, which is characteristic of 21. The optical distance and angle measurement system of claim 20, wherein each marking means is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of nickel plated aluminum, nickel, aluminum, stainless steel or titanium. 22. Each marking means is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of a first surface glass mirror or a second surface glass mirror.
An optical distance and angle measurement system according to claim 21. 23. A method for measuring distance and angle for a shaft assembly, the structure surrounding the shaft assembly and mounting a structure disposed adjacent to the shaft assembly on the shaft assembly. Communicating at least one optical sensor assembly means on the mounting structure; coupling at least one target marker means to a surface portion of the shaft assembly; and using control electronics to communicate Communicating with each photosensor assembly means by a bus, each photosensor assembly means transmitting an optical signal to a surface portion and each target marker means as each target passes through each photosensor assembly. .Information corresponding to the characteristics of the shaft that receives the optical signal reflected from the marker means Method comprising the steps of transmitting generated, the information to the control electronics, the signal processing software means to be stored is loaded into the control electronics, the method comprising: receive information from the control electronics to be treated, the. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein each sensor assembly means is located between approximately 0.15 inches and 0.4 inches from the surface portion. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein each target marker means is spatially well distributed over the surface portion. 26. The step of generating information corresponding to characteristics of the shaft further comprises the step of generating information corresponding to angular displacement of the shaft of the shaft assembly, the information corresponding to angular change of the axis of movement of the shaft assembly. 26. The method of claim 25, including the step of: generating information corresponding to an angular change in the axis of the shaft perpendicular to the rotation of the shaft. 27. A distance and angle measurement system for a shaft assembly having a moveable shaft, the structure mounted on the shaft assembly, surrounding the shaft, and disposed adjacent to the shaft. At least one fiber optic sensor means coupled to the mounting structure, each disposed on the structure equidistant from adjacent sensor means, and at least one reflective means coupled to a surface portion of the shaft; Control electronic means for communicating with each sensor means by bus, each sensor means transmitting a signal to a surface portion and at least one signal reflected from each reflecting means as the light reflecting means passes each sensor means. The control electronics, which receives and generates information corresponding to the characteristics of the shaft and sends the information to the control electronics. Stored, a system and a software means for receiving information from the control electronic means to be processed. 28. Each sensor means is 0.15 inches and 0.4 approximately from the surface.
27. The system of claim 25, wherein the target marker means are spatially well distributed over the surface portion disposed between inches. 29. The information according to claim 26, wherein the information corresponds to angular displacement of the shaft of the shaft assembly, angular variation of the axis of displacement of the shaft, and angular variation of the axis of the shaft perpendicular to the displacement of the shaft. System.